‘Orange is the New Black’ Season 2: Taryn Manning Teases New Arc, Addresses Laura Prepon

A few weeks ago 'Orange is the New Black' fans were excited to learn that star Taryn Manning (Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett) has been upgraded to series regular for season 2, despite the season 1 ending that left her character's fate somewhat unclear. Still unclear however, is the fate of co-star Laura Prepon, so what does Manning have to say of Prepon's potential exit, or her own arc in season 2?

Speaking to ETOnline, Manning had few new details to offer of Prepon's abrupt and apparent departure, which neither Netflix nor Prepon herself have formally addressed. "No one is really talking about it," said Manning of the departure. "I wish her the best and hope everything is OK with her. I hear she's directing her own film, which she passionately talked about on set, so maybe she's off doing that...I hear she will be filming some of this season."

As for her own storyline, Manning revealed that the brutal beatdown from Piper (Taylor Schilling) that closed out the season will become a "huge, ginormous" plot point in season 2, particularly in how CO Healy (Michael J. Harney) allowed it to happen. The defeat will also inspire a bit of humility, revealing envy of Piper's upbringing, as Manning says "Tiffany doesn't necessarily think her sh-- doesn't stink any more. She's like, 'I guess I'm not as tough as I thought because [Piper] kicked my ass.'"

In addition to Prepon's departure and Manning's elevation to series regular, 'Orange is the New Black' season 2 will see both Uzo Aduba (fan-favorite Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren) and Danielle Brooks’ character Tasha ‘Taystee’ Jefferson similarly upgraded. Lorraine Toussaint has joined the Netlix drama’s second season in a heavily recurring role as Vee, a longtime street tough who ran her own drug business, recruiting children to serve as runners.

Filming on ‘Orange is the New Black’ season 2 has already gotten underway in New York, but what say you? Does Manning's elevated role have you excited for 2014? Give us your thoughts after the trailer below, and check out the full Netflix season if you haven’t already!